What will happen to items left in the old Chesterfield Hotel?

Earlier this month, Chesterfield Borough Council revealed it had ‘taken a part freehold, part leasehold interest’ in the Malkin Street site and would now work with contractors to clear out and demolish the derelict building.

MORE: More details emerge about council’s acquisition of Chesterfield Hotel site

A council spokesperson said this week: “In the process of clearing the hotel for demolition we have been assessing the items left in the hotel.

“Sadly most of it is in an unusable state.

“Many of the soft furnishings have developed mould and rot from sitting in a cold building for years.

“Many items of furniture are damaged and we have had the piano evaluated, but sadly the cost of repair would be more than its value.

“The demolition contract includes for the reclamation of building materials and appropriate disposal of other items.”

As we reported last month, an urban explorer – who calls himself Explore Urbex – gained access to the prominent property and took a number of pictures of items which had been left behind.

Commenting on that story on our Facebook page, Jane Derbyshire said: “What a beautiful building this could be again instead of bulldozing it.”

Layla Suleiman added: “There’s something so sad about buildings like this and the way they are left. It makes me feel quite sad.”

Work to demolish the former hotel building is set to start next spring.

A temporary car park is expected to be created in its place while proposals for the site’s future are developed as part of HS2 plans.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of the council, said: “Chesterfield Hotel was a significant building and a venue which has served the town well over the years.

“Sadly, the costs to remodel and refurbish the building to bring it back into productive use are too high, and it is deemed an unviable option as compared with redevelopment of the site.

“The building has fallen into disrepair and is unfortunately now regarded as a safety risk and an eyesore on this key route from the train station.”

Chesterfield Hotel opened in 1877 and closed in 2015.

MORE: Well-known Chesterfield shopkeeper set to have her hair shaved off in aid of the Sick Children’s Trust

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